Green Living QA: Is IKEA Furniture Toxic?

September 30, 2014

Q: My entire home is from Ikea, so it is with great reservation that I ask, is plywood and particle board toxic? And how should a family on a budget avoid buying furniture made with it?

A: I love Ikea…they make some fantastic products, including an all natural latex mattress that’s affordable! First, be aware that most tables, chairs, desks and cabinets that are made of plywood or particle board have been treated with pesticides and constructed with glue containing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, and inhalation of its vapors can cause headaches, insomnia and respiratory problems.

However, Ikea is making an effort to eliminate toxins in their furniture. It is owned by a non profit foundation called Natural Step. Here’s what they have to say on their website: IKEA is at the forefront of minimizing the use of formaldehyde in its products, including textiles (despite the fact that formal requirements for formaldehyde in textiles exist only in Japan and Finland).

I think you can feel safe with your choices and remember that it’s always a good idea to let new furniture air out if possible.